UCC Societies Win Seven Awards at Board of Irish College Societies National Awards 2026

3 Apr 2026

UCC Societies were successful at the Board of Irish College Societies (BICS) National Awards this year in Tullamore winning seven awards, the most of any institution.

UCC Societies were exceptionally successful at the Board of Irish College Societies (BICS) National Awards this year, taking home an impressive seven awards; the highest number of any college. The awards took place in Tullamore on April 2nd, bringing together student leaders and societies from across Ireland to celebrate excellence in student engagement.

The Board of Irish College Societies (BICS), established in 1995, provides a national forum for societies across Ireland’s Universities, Colleges and Institutes of Education. The annual awards recognise the dedication, creativity, and impact of the students who run societies and enrich campus life.

UCC Societies took home awards in seven categories:

STAND Global Solidarity Award – Global Justice Society

The Global Justice Society was awarded the STAND Global Solidarity Award for their World Peace Festival.

The World Peace Festival is a large-scale, multi-day initiative focused on engaging students with global justice issues in an accessible and participatory way. The festival included a diverse programme of events such as workshops, panel discussions, and creative activities, encouraging students to explore topics such as climate justice, human rights, and global inequality.

Best Mental Health Promotion – Suicide & Mental Health Awareness (SÁMH) Society

The Suicide Awareness and Mental Health (SÁMH) Society was awarded Best Mental Health Promotion for their Tea N’Chats initiative.

Tea N’Chats is a recurring wellbeing event designed to provide a relaxed and welcoming space for students. The initiative allows students to engage in informal conversations around mental health in a low-pressure environment, helping to reduce stigma and promote wellbeing across campus.

Best Fresher – Eva Pisoftova, Biology Society

Eva Pisoftova of the UCC Biology Society was awarded Best Fresher at this year’s BICS National Awards.

Eva has had an outstanding first year in societies, becoming an active and dedicated member of the Biology Society. She contributed across a range of events and activities, supporting the work of the committee and helping to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for members. Her enthusiasm and commitment have made a positive impact on the society, and she is a very deserving recipient of this award.

Best Event – Women in Business & Leadership Society 

The Women in Business and Leadership Society was awarded Best Event for their Big S.I.S. Conference.

The Big S.I.S. Conference is a flagship event designed to support and inspire students through a day of workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. The conference focuses on leadership, confidence, and career development, creating an empowering and inclusive environment for attendees.

Best New Society – Rocketry & Space Exploration Society

The Rocketry and Space Exploration Society was awarded Best New Society at this year’s awards.

Founded in April 2025, the society has had a highly successful first year, organising a variety of events including talks, workshops, and social activities centred around space and engineering. The society has created an engaging and accessible environment for students interested in STEM and space exploration. 

Best Charitable/Civic Society – Global Justice Society

The Global Justice Society was also awarded Best Charitable/Civic Society.

The society has had an exceptional year, delivering a wide range of events and campaigns focused on global justice issues. Through fundraising, awareness campaigns, and collaborations with organisations, they have made a significant impact both on campus and beyond. 

Best Cultural/Social/Academic Society – Literature Society

The UCC Literature Society was awarded Best Cultural/Social/Academic Society.

The society delivered an extensive programme of events throughout the year, including workshops, talks, and social events that promoted literature in an engaging and accessible way. Their innovative approach and strong member engagement contributed to a highly successful year.

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees who represented UCC in Tullamore.